• Kapp leads Proteas Women’s fightback

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    Marizanne Kapp’s maiden Test century helped the Proteas recover from 45-4 to post a competitive total on the first day of the one-off women’s Test against England in Taunton.

    The 32-year-old scored a magnificent 150 off 213 balls, including 26 fours, as South Africa were eventually bowled out for 284 in 91.4 overs.

    Anneke Bosch made 30, while captain Suné Luus chipped in with 27.

    England’s opening bowlers did most of the damage with the ball, with Kate Cross taking 4-63 and Lauren Bell 2-47.

    After winning the toss and sending the Proteas in to bat, England made early inroads as Andrie Steyn (eight), Laura Wolvaardt (16), Lara Goodall (10) and Lizelle Lee (nought) were dismissed in the first session.

    Luus and Kapp added 44 runs for the fifth wicket to take South Africa into the lunch break, before the captain became Cross’ second victim of the day.

    Kapp and Bosch then took the attack to England, producing a partnership of 72 before Bosch was dismissed.

    Despite losing batting partners in Nadine de Klerk (nine) and Sinalo Jafta (four), Kapp continued to dominate during a 49-run stand with Tumi Sekhukhune (9*) before eventually being dismissed when Tammy Beaumont took a scintillating catch at mid-off off the bowling of Bell.

    Sekhukhune and Nonkululeko Mlaba (eight) managed to survive for a further five overs before the latter fell on what became the last delivery of the day, with play going past 6pm.

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    Simon Borchardt